Etta Catherine Bearden Dorough Catherine Dorough, 78, died peacefully at home on October 24, 2008, after a long illness.

Etta Catherine Bearden Dorough was born on June 22, 1930, in Waco, Texas, to Ray and Hazel Bearden, her wonderful parents. On August 4, 1951, she married Coney Dorough, her best friend and companion during their 57 years of marriage. They lived in Austin for all of their married life, and in the same house for 49 years.

Catherine considered her greatest accomplishment in life to be raising her three daughters, Dinah Catherine, Janet Kay and Jill Marie. She wanted everyone to know that she felt they fulfilled the Fifth Commandment, "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

Catherine loved her home and took great pride in it. She was dedicated to the care of her family and to the care of her parents in their later years. Working outdoors, beautifying the land, and enjoying the birds, the wildlife, and the beauty of God's creation occupied many hours of her time. She dearly loved the land and was humbled that she had the privilege of taking care of it. Catherine often said, "The things that make me happiest in life are the things that are free."

She picked up thousands of pennies during her lifetime, a reflection of her own humility and belief that the small things in life are important. She gave generously to those in need.

Survivors include her husband, Coney Harwood Dorough; her three daughters, Dinah Zike, Jan Manzanero, and Jill Houghton; her sons-in-law, whom she loved dearly, Ignacio Salas-Humara and Dale Houghton; her only grandchild and the joy of her life, Samantha Marie Houghton; her brother, Bobby Ray Bearden; and two nephews, Brad Bearden and Mark Bearden, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Hazel Bearden, and her infant brother, Robert Wallace Bearden.

Special thanks go to Dr. Steven Booton, Dr. Shannon Cox, Dr. Anant Patel, and the nurses and staff of St. David's Hospital and Hospice Austin.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home at 6100 N. Lamar, with visitation between 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Austin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two of Catherine's favorite charities, the American Leprosy Missions, 1 ALM Way, Greenville, SC, 29601; and the Salvation Army, whose mission is "to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."